Jean-Philippe Worth, as the leading designer in The House of Worth, was well known for his opulent gowns of great elegance. Afternoon dress was created for Mary Crowninshield Endicott Chamberlain, the step-mother of the future British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, and wife of politician and social reformer Joseph Chamberlain. It is typical of Worth’s magnificent attention to overall form, texture and detail.